I love birthdays. To me, birthdays are meant for celebrating other people's existence and letting them know your gratitude for their lives. If that's not something to get excited about, I don't know what is. With each birthday, we obviously get a little older, but I would argue that we also become more knowledgeable in how this crazy life works. Here's a handful of things I've learned over the past nineteen years.

1. Life is precious but fragile.

I've been lucky enough to not have dealt with much death in my lifetime. That being said, I know it'll be a struggle when the day comes that I lose someone I love. Recently, one of my old friends passed away rather suddenly. Even though I hadn't talked to him in a few years, it was still a bit of a wake-up call that our days are not guaranteed. Accidents happen. Every day that we're given until the day God calls us home is a gift. Love a little deeper. You never know when your last day is.

2. It's okay to say no...

I'm the ultimate people-pleaser, which can be a good attribute at times, but it can also be stressful. My fear of saying "no" causes me to wind up overly devoted and stressed to the max as I take on too much at once. Sometimes quality is better than quantity.

3. ...but it's not okay to be afraid to say yes.

There's a cheesy quote that says, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." As much as I despise cliches, this one holds quite a bit of truth. You'll either come out of an experience and with absolute love and adoration for it, or you'll end up with a lesson learned. Don't be plagued by "what ifs". Take a chance every once in a while.

4. It's okay if the most illegal thing you do your first year of college is jaywalking.

You don't have to get drunk, go to parties, or get fake IDs to have the "typical college experience." If it's not your thing, don't pressure yourself into it.

5. Taking time to listen to your grandparents' stories is so worth it.

It took me too long to realize how lucky I am to have grown up with all four of my grandparents. Their stories are second to none, and somewhat unbelievable at times, but I could sit and listen to them all day. Cherish those moments. Listen with intent so that someday you can tell your own kids their stories.

6. You're never too old for anything.

Especially Disney World. You're never, ever too old for Disney World. We think too much about how things make us look and not enough about how much of an adventure things could be. Don't take life too seriously. Look at the world with the wonder of a child.

7. Not everything you read on social media is true.

This one's a shocker, right? The amount of untruthful posts I see online on a daily basis is appalling. The next time you see that "brown-eyed girls are the most likely to be professional ice cream tasters" or something like that, make sure you look up its accuracy before deciding to hit the share button.

8. It's okay to have a music taste that's a little different.

I love the fact that when I hit "shuffle" on Spotify, I'll hear from the likes of Broadway musicals, 80's rock, Christian rap, and simple acoustic within a matter of minutes. Your taste in music helps make you unique.

9. Just because it's in style doesn't mean you have to wear it.

I'm going to come right out and say it-- it's hard to be a tall girl with curves in today's style. Rompers don't work due to the length of my torso, crop tops fit, and look, more like bras, and swimsuits are continually covering less and less of my body. For some, this isn't that big of a deal; for me, it makes shopping one of the most difficult experiences in the world. You'll find stores that suit your style and your body type. Wear what makes you feel comfortable and what best reflects your personality.

10. The way you treat your body now *will* affect you in the future.

You only have one body; why wreck it in the four years you're in college? Moisturize your face, eat lots of veggies, and take advantage of the rec center on campus. I promise you'll feel so much better.

11. Taking a bit of time away from your phone during the day can be refreshing.

It can also help you fall asleep at night if you stay off of your phone before you go to bed (thanks, Psych 1000). Unplug and live in the now.

12. Social media is not a competition.

The number of likes you receive and the number of followers you've accumulated does not matter. There's also no reason at all to try to one-up each other with clever selfies and captions. Your social media should reflect you, not a person you're attempting to be.

13. Respect will go much further than hatred-- have courage and be kind.

There's no need to be cruel. There's no need to disregard another person's humanity based off their viewpoint of a particular subject. If you want to confront someone, do it in a gentle, respectful manner and you'll be surprised at how willing someone is to listen to what you have to say. Quick to listen, slow to speak.

14. I'd rather be rich with experience than rich with material objects.

I've never quite understood why people get so hyped up about the debut of a new type of shoe or why people wait in line overnight just for a chance to grab the latest technology. Your money-- and time-- could be spent on other things that'll benefit you much longer than any iPhone could. Take day trips to places you've never been; save up to travel to another country for a missions trip or even just a relaxing vacation. Refuse to dine at chain restaurants and instead eat at a locally-owned hole-in-the-wall. You'll return with a broadened worldview and memories to last a lifetime.

15. There's always a book of the Bible and a friend to help you through everything...

It's easy to get caught up in the terrible things going on around you; find peace and knowledge in His word. Study the Bible to truly know Jesus and to help others through their own trials. Seek friends that will remind you of this, and that will encourage you through the dark times. It'll be okay.

16. ...there's also a Disney movie

My sister and I were born and raised on Disney. I can quote and sing most, if not all, of the classic and current films. Taking a drive and singing songs from Moana at the top of your lungs de-stresses quite well.

17. Don't forget to slow down and take a deep breath.

Slow down for five minutes every day and just enjoy where you're at in life. We're in an era when people respond to, "How are you?" with, "I've been busy. You?" Remember to stop and appreciate all that is around you; it can change in an instant.

18. A hug and a little love go a long way.

Give hugs in abundance. Deliver compliments freely. If someone's on your mind, shoot them a message just to let them know you're thinking about them. The smallest encouragements to let others know that they're loved will mean the world.

19. God is always here.

It's going to be okay. He will never leave you. He has not forsaken you. You are never alone. You are being called. You are desired. You are forgiven. You are safe. You are known. You are valued. You are so loved. All of this, simply because you are His.